23 January 2003

We want a Republic - eventually.

The latest results of polling by McNair Ingenuity Research shows that two thirds of Australians are resigned to a Republic - but they are in no hurry to get there.

The national survey shows that the process of change depends on the right design of the new constitution. The majority of the 557 people surveyed said that they would support a Republic if the design was right. Over a third (38%) would support a Republic if it had bilateral support - that is, support from both the major political parties. The survey asked participants to say how much they agreed or disagreed with a variety of statements about the Republic concept.

Comparing different age groups, the results show that baby boomers in their 40s and 50s are the most likely to expect Australia to become a Republic, while those aged 18-29 are the least likely - perhaps because they are still uncertain about the history and issues surrounding the proposal.

The findings also highlight the differing views around Australia. Queenslanders are the least likely to support change. In fact, Queensland is the only state where the majority of people don't think that the Republic is inevitable - only 45% of Queenslanders agreed that `Ultimately Australia will wind up becoming a Republic of some kind'. Queenslanders are also the least likely to say that they will be influenced by a bilateral political force behind the Republic.

Perhaps with hindsight, a significant number of people look back on the 1999 Republic model as being flawed, particularly those aged 50 and over.

Why change the Queen as Head of State?

Ultimately Australia will become a Republic

The 1999 Republic model was flawed

Would support a Republic if the right design

 

Would support a Republic if it had bilateral support

How This Poll Was Conducted

This topic was included in the ongoing Australians Today research program conducted by Ingenuity Research in November 2002. The survey was conducted by means of inviting people aged 18+ from across Australia to participate in the survey by telephone and then sending them a self-completion questionnaire to fill out. A total of 557 people completed their questionnaires by the due date. The combination of a telephone recruitment and self-completion questionnaire ensures a representative sample as well as giving participants the opportunity to complete the survey at their leisure. The recruitment interviews were conducted by trained interviewers according to standards set-out by Interviewer Quality Control Australia.

Format of the Questions

4.1 Please rate each of the following statements according to whether you agree or disagree with that statement.
Agree strongly
Agree Somewhat
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree Somewhat
Disagree Strongly
The Republic
It is time to replace our constitutional monarchy with a republic
5
4
3
2
1
Having the Queen as Head of State works well, so why change?
5
4
3
2
1
Ultimately Australia will wind up becoming a Republic of some kind
5
4
3
2
1
The Republic model in the 1999 Referendum would not have done Australia any good
5
4
3
2
1
If we got the design right, I would support a Republic
5
4
3
2
1
I will support a change to a Republic if it had support from both the major political parties in Australia
5
4
3
2
1

The above information is copyright to McNair Ingenuity Research and must be clearly acknowledged to McNair Ingenuity Research. For more information contact Matt Balogh ph 02 9966 9133.

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